Over 100 Students Of Mount Litera School International Perform The Epic Tale Of Mahabharta - RETOLD!

Students of Mount Litera School International, one of Mumbai’s leading IB schools today performed a unique rendition of Mahabharta. The school gave a completely new account of the epic tale by showcasing it from the perspective of its leading ladies - Gandhari, Kunti and Draupadi. Following its inquiry-based learning methodology, the play aimed to imbibe Indian values in the students and showcase human frailties, character flaws and highlight follies of the great and good of society. The grand play saw over 100 students from the middle years program participate to perform this unique version of the epic tale and in the process also strengthen their roots to Indian mythology. 

National award winner and director Tigmanshu Dhulia also graced the play and was in awe of the students’ performance. Students rendered the play in the form of dance and drama along with some influences of Yoga and Kalaripayattu. Directed by veteran theatre artist, Kriti V Sharma, the play was larger than life and successfully conveyed the messages of gender equality as well as the importance of rightly managing great power and ego.

Speaking at the event, head of school Ms. Mona Seervai said, “Mahabharta is an important story and has so many life lessons to learn from. At Mount Litera School International, we strive to provide our students with holistic education in an innovative manner. This unique adaptation of Mahabharta taught our students how decisions based on ego and anger lead to disastrous results and ultimately irreparable loss. Mr. Dhulia’s presence today was a fabulous surprise for the students. It really encouraged the students to put their best foot forward and we thank him for his time.”

Sharing his thoughts on the play, award winning director, Tigmanshu Dhulia said, “Mount Litera School International undertaking such an endeavor is great because it teaches children the complexity of our society. Nobody is perfect, and everybody faces conflicts while growing up. Teaching how to face to those conflicts while maintaining our values helps build a better character. I think this is a great effort by the school”.

The play's director, Kriti V Sharma, expressed “What we have tried to do with this Mahabharata production at Mount Litera School International is showcase it from the point of view of its women. Because it was ultimately the women who were left to sustain and pick up the pieces of a broken world and a broken life. It is a very feminist view of war where they make an anti-war statement. Initially, the children didn’t understand how Draupadi could have been put through what she was put through, or how the society could not have taken a stand. But when it was connected to our world and what’s happening today, that’s when they realised that even today women are disrespected and nobody stands for them. So this play was really like a big journey for them and the way they performed was admirable”.

The students expressed their happiness in participating. “This year for our annual play, we staged the Mahabharata play but from the point of view of Gandhari, Kunti and Draupadi. Everyone from our Middle Years Program (MYP) has worked really hard. The play was performed through acting, dancing and music where more than 100 of us participated. It was interesting to learn so much from the epic tale and how women had to suffer due to power politics“, Koyna Bajaj, School Captain, Mount Litera School International.